WWII Pilot Combat Report - R.I. ROSS

R.I. ROSS

352th Fighter Group 01/30/1944

ENCOUNTER REPORT LT. R.I.ROSS A. Combat

B. 30 January, 1944.

C. 487th Fighter Squadron

D. 1330 Hours

E. Zwolle

F. 10/10 at 4,000

G. Me-109

H. 1 Destroyed, 1 Pending.

I. I was flying Crown Prince Blue 2. At1325 we were at 28,000 ft.: we turned into 12 plus bogies approaching at 7 o'clock. As we made a 180 degree turn I noticed a 109 diving out of a flight on our left evidently trying to bounce our number 4. I turned inside him and closed to approximately 300 yards. I gave him a 2 second burst at 20 degrees deflection which showed strikes on the wing roots, accessory section and cockpit. He started down in an easy glide, flambing . The pilot was no doubt dead. I broke up since this combat took place at 21,000 feet and climbed to 25,000 where another 109 was flying at 2 o'clock away from me. I turned on his tail and he turned at the same time. I took a shot at 200 yards, he broke for the deck. I observed no strikes. This combat broke off at 16000 feet. Thinking I should find my formation I broke off and climbed back to 25000 but had to come home alone. CLAIMED: 1 ME 109 DESTROYED. 1 ME PENDING ASSESSMENT OF FILM

Ser No. of A/C 42-8678. A/C Markings: HO-O Ammunition Expended: 240 Inc. /s/R.I.ROSS R.I.ROSS 1ST Lt., Corps /s/ Darrell H. Hamric Darrel H. HAMRIC Cat., AC, S-2 Officer TRUE COPY GERALD F. COSTELLO, CAPTAIN, AIR CORPS Asst A-2, 67FW

Official US Army Air Forces Combat Report by R.I. ROSS of the 352th Fighter Group. This material is a transcription of official reports-testimonials of R.I. ROSS's combat experience.

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